Margery H. Box Gregor

January 12, 1925-November 24, 2023

Our dear Aunt and precious friend Margery left us on the day after Thanksgiving, her special holiday. Aunt Marge ensured that the Box family kept Thanksgiving properly all the years of her long life.

The fourth of five children, Marge was born January 12, 1925 to Cecil and Ervilla Mackle Box, and was raised on the family farm in Dyberry, PA. She attended the Pleasant Valley School, a short walk from the farm, through the eighth grade, after which she moved on to Honesdale High School, graduating in 1942. In later years, she was instrumental in organizing the annual Pleasant Valley School reunions along with her beloved teacher, Olive Walter.

Marge was Wayne County through and through, except for a short period of time during the Second World War when she joined her sister, Joyce, in Sidney, NY, to work in a plant supporting the war effort. She lived in central Wayne County her whole life. From her apartment on East Street in Honesdale, Marge could take you on a virtual tour of her home turf, road by road, house by house, naming all the residents past and present as she went.

Margery worked in many capacities throughout her life. When asked about her work history, she usually described herself as a bookkeeper. She was employed in a number of local enterprises, most notably as manager of the Honesdale Sears Roebuck store, in the offices of Wayne Memorial Hospital and, finally, retiring from Rodgers, Olver, and Polley Insurance.

After her Mother’s death in 1972, Marge took over the care of her invalid father, quitting her job and taking him into her 13th Street apartment. There she managed his care to the eternal gratitude of her family until his death in 1973.
As a caregiver, Marge was unsurpassed. When her daughter Donna Lee suffered through a prolonged bout with cancer during the early 2000s. Marge was there for her every step of the way. Donna, of course, reciprocated by being her mother’s strongest support until her own unexpected death last year.

So that’s the way it is. Marge gave and she received. The outpouring of support this past year overwhelmed her with gratitude. It frequently needed to be pointed out to her, “What goes around comes around.”

Her East Street apartment was a constant hub for visiting, card playing and sharing. When she needed to be away because of health issues this past summer, her aspiration was to be back on her front porch before the weather turned, greeting all and sundry. Thankfully, she was able to achieve that goal.

Margery was the last surviving member of her family of origin. Passing on before her were her parents Cecil and Ervilla Box, her daughter Donna Lee Gregor, her long-time best friend and companion Bill Bluff, her sister and brother-in-law Harriet and Angelo DeMartino, her brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Jean Harder Box, her sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Harold Langendorfer, her brother and sister-in-law George and Ann Hoeflein Box, her nephew Gerald Langendorfer, her grand-nephew Scott Langendorfer, and her niece Maire Anton Box.

Surviving Margery are her daughter-in-law Judy Trudgen, her niece Joyce Conti Langendorfer, nephew and wife Bill and Rusty McColl Langendofer, niece and husband Kathryn Box and Joe Davis, nephew and wife Tom and Pamala Williams Box, nephew Jeffrey Box, nephew Andy and Kelly Stack Box, niece and husband Debbie and Jeff Todd, adopted niece Cheryl Weber, and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
It’s impossible to thank all of Margery’s friends who provided support during this past year. They brought gifts, food, flowers, card games and best companionship. You know who you are.

That said, it is necessary to acknowledge the family of Anna and Edward Howell, who made Margery a part of their home this past summer. The Howells exemplify the true meaning of love and friendship.

Marge’s transition was eased by the Wayne Memorial Hospice program and her devoted caregivers, Helena, Tina and Sharon, who became part of the family. Our family will be forever grateful.

Marge’s long service as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Honesdale was celebrated by her good friend and Pastor Michael Lyle on Friday, December 1 at Woodside Mission House, 611 Bethany Tpk. in Honesdale. A reception followed at the same location.
A private interment at Keen Cemetery will be for the family at a later time.
Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont St., Waymart, PA, www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Contributions in honor of Margery can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association or to a charity of the giver’s choice. Most importantly, do a good deed for a neighbor, as would Margery.